Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal in Illinois. According to these laws, employers may not take race into account when hiring, recruiting, determining pay or offering promotions.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Before taking their discrimination claim to court, an employee must file their claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is the federal agency which has authority to investigate any claims of discrimination in the workplace. Racial discrimination claims involve situations where an employers treat workers differently than other workers who are of a different race.

The Olney plaintiff must also be able to prove that the employer acted with intent to discriminate based on race in order to succeed in a racial discrimination claim. This intent is most often proven by showing that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can an Olney Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Additionally, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to prove their intent to discriminate. Laws of procedure vary greatly in this area of law depending on where you file your claim, and local Olney lawyers will be familiarized with the requirements of your geographical region. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, an Illinois lawyer will be able to help you out, and they can also point you towards other types of remedies available to you while your claim is pending.